LeBron James did not take kindly to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's implication that he should "stick to sports", but the Swede remains defiant.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is sticking to his guns despite coming in for criticism after stating that athletes like LeBron James should steer clear of politics.
The Milan forward found himself at the centre of controversy after saying the likes of James should "do what you're good at" rather than engage in any kind of activism.
Los Angeles Lakers star James hit back and vowed never to "just stick to sports", insisting he had a role to play as a voice against racism and other pressing societal issues.
James is a friend of former United States president Barack Obama and his own foundation supports a school that is aimed at helping disadvantaged children.
But Ibrahimovic, who has also been criticised for agreeing to appear in the Sanremo music festival amid the Serie A season, refused to back down.
Zlatan likely to miss clash with Man United
"Racism and politics are two different things. Athletes unite the world, politics divides it," said the 39-year-old, who was injured in Sunday's 2-1 win over Roma and could be sidelined for up to three weeks, which would rule him out of facing former club Manchester United in the Europa League later this month.
"Everyone is welcome in our environment, it doesn't matter where you come from and we are doing everything to bring people together.
"My message? Athletes should be athletes, politicians should be politicians."
Only focused on football
Responding to questions over his appearance at the music event, which spans four days, while Milan fight for the title, the Swede added: "I'm a professional and anyone who knows me, knows that. When I play football I'm only focused on that.
"I want to help Milan, and to give a lot to Italy for everything that it has given me over the years, not only in football.
"I had the chance to be a guest at the festival, one of the most important in Italy, and decided to participate."
Newmanunited20
0
you live in Nigeria that is why you know more than us.....God punish you
Your ancestors trading y’all away for black pepper was the best unintentional consequence that could of happened. It’s the only reason y’all are a part of the civilized world. Land of the first man is the most underdeveloped in the world. That should tell you a lot about how your people run each other
Newmanunited20
0
you live in Nigeria that is why you know more than us.....God punish you
No it’s called google. Something you obviously have never looked at if you think slavery is white mans fault. Without slavery every single one of you would be stuck in Africa and would be a 3rd world slave. Do not blame white people for a problem that started in Africa. Blacks can never see their side. This is why y’all are looked at differently at time.
Mose_9
0
Considering Nigeria’s government owns slaves I would say you are wrong again. The ill informed never win debates
you live in Nigeria that is why you know more than us.....God punish you
Newmanunited20
0
you idiots put blacks under slavery and still blame the blacks.....who came up with the idea of slavery
Cricket’s? Nothing to come back with? Did we see Africans started slavery and still have it? Did you see your people traded their own for some black pepper and paprika?
Newmanunited20
0
you are the ones who thought us through ruling over us
Did my facts hurt too much? Do not blame slavery on whites when Africa was performing it before whites ever came to the continent. You obviously need to do some research on the part blacks have in slavery and the history of your continent. Africa is run by corrupt governments that own slaves. Your current arguement is blame whitey for slavery. Slavery existed before the whites set sail to Africa. Also after all white countries abolish it, it’s still being practiced in Africa... basically only North Korea, China and Africa have slaves now... that’s not the company you want to keep
Newmanunited20
0
you are the ones who thought us through ruling over us
Considering Nigeria’s government owns slaves I would say you are wrong again. The ill informed never win debates
Newmanunited20
0
you idiots put blacks under slavery and still blame the blacks.....who came up with the idea of slavery
Slavery existed in Africa way before whites traded spices for people. And remember blacks captured other blacks to trade for spices. Whites did not start off capturing people. Take blame for your side of history and slavery. You look pathetic blaming whites for slavery. Please enlighten me where is Egypt? How were the pyramids built?
Mose_9
0
Compared to African governments? No, no where close. African governments use their people as slaves and some countries still have slaves there. USA is fair and just. I’m sorry my statement offends you but only the African people can help themselves on this one. Y’all need to get vocal not turn a blind eye like you are doing right now
you are the ones who thought us through ruling over us
Newmanunited20
0
stop acting like your government is not corrupt
Compared to African governments? No, no where close. African governments use their people as slaves and some countries still have slaves there. USA is fair and just. I’m sorry my statement offends you but only the African people can help themselves on this one. Y’all need to get vocal not turn a blind eye like you are doing right now
Mose_9
0
please shut the fuck up...... LeBron James speaks out to defend people rights.....ibra keeps quiet and mocks people..... fucking coward.....even footballers do politics once in a while like ozil, griezmann,Salah and even pique.....why not attack them..... fucking swedish imbecile
you idiots put blacks under slavery and still blame the blacks.....who came up with the idea of slavery
Mose_9
0
My comment was not a slavery comment. My comment only brought to light your corrupt governments. The more you point it out the sooner your people can go up in arms and overthrow your sheet hole government. I would say at least 70% of governments in Africa are dirty. Not my fault some still allow slavery, what’s sad is majority of Africans turn a blind eye towards it and blame america. It’s stupid
stop acting like your government is not corrupt
Newmanunited20
0
please don't ever talk to me in your life
My comment was not a slavery comment. My comment only brought to light your corrupt governments. The more you point it out the sooner your people can go up in arms and overthrow your sheet hole government. I would say at least 70% of governments in Africa are dirty. Not my fault some still allow slavery, what’s sad is majority of Africans turn a blind eye towards it and blame america. It’s stupid
Mose_9
0
Make fun? No just brought light to governments that allow slavery and are for profit.
please don't ever talk to me in your life
Newmanunited20
0
how dare you make fun of slavery fucking racist.....
Make fun? No just brought light to governments that allow slavery and are for profit.
Mose_9
0
Under the skin we go!!!!
how dare you make fun of slavery fucking racist.....
Newmanunited20
0
I am going to kill you... .. just watch
Under the skin we go!!!!
Mose_9
0
You know business and government are different right? I know your African countries don’t understand that since it’s one of 2 continents that allows slavery still.
I am going to kill you... .. just watch
Newmanunited20
0
there is nothing about been rational....he is not just an athlete but also an activist....... what is Ibrahimovic business
You know business and government are different right? I know your African countries don’t understand that since it’s one of 2 continents that allows slavery still.
Newmanunited20
0
Seeing a black man progressing and multi-talented is a pain in the **s for Ibra.... Meaning is very wrong for a black man to own a business e.g hotels like Messi and Ronaldo, restaurants like Mata and many others or raising your views on issues in your own community or do good for your people.... But he [Ibra] is allowed to bring Lukaku's mother into sport and work away with it....
He wasn’t talking about business. He’s talking about interfering with politics. I know you come from a corrupt African country. It’s obvious with the way you type. Every athlete makes money on endorsements. Ibra is saying oebron should stay out of politics. You African sheeple get told what to think and you do it. Beyond sad none of y’all have critical thinking skills
Newmanunited20
0
We are differ in opinions and it's okay, just because his contact is from a different country and you don't like the way they handle their affairs in their country doesn't make him a hypocrite. Politic is business too....and thus some get their food from it. Is not a crime to be multi-talented or play a role in different fields. No one decides for another man. But anyways, thank you and I'll improve on my reading comprehension, you and Ibra must go back to school to improve your thinking skills.
When politics is business then your country is corrupt. You identified the problem without coming to the logical conclusion. Please understand the 2 need to be separate. Slave labor and sweat shops like China are the result of business and politics mixing
Newmanunited20
0
We are differ in opinions and it's okay, just because his contact is from a different country and you don't like the way they handle their affairs in their country doesn't make him a hypocrite. Politic is business too....and thus some get their food from it. Is not a crime to be multi-talented or play a role in different fields. No one decides for another man. But anyways, thank you and I'll improve on my reading comprehension, you and Ibra must go back to school to improve your thinking skills.
You obviously know nothing about what happens in the state. You have a blind opinion so we will agree to disagree based on your knowledge on the topic
Bizzano
0
not many likes, but you're right on point.👍👍
Bizzano
0
Your reading comprehension is garbage. He’s saying don’t get into politics. Politics and business are completely different. Lebron shouldn’t talk about inequality in the United States when he profits off slave labor in China. His Nike contract... lebron is a hypocrite
We are differ in opinions and it's okay, just because his contact is from a different country and you don't like the way they handle their affairs in their country doesn't make him a hypocrite. Politic is business too....and thus some get their food from it. Is not a crime to be multi-talented or play a role in different fields. No one decides for another man. But anyways, thank you and I'll improve on my reading comprehension, you and Ibra must go back to school to improve your thinking skills.
Ryan83
1
Seeing a black man progressing and multi-talented is a pain in the **s for Ibra.... Meaning is very wrong for a black man to own a business e.g hotels like Messi and Ronaldo, restaurants like Mata and many others or raising your views on issues in your own community or do good for your people.... But he [Ibra] is allowed to bring Lukaku's mother into sport and work away with it....
not many likes, but you're right on point.👍👍
Newmanunited20
0
which country are you from. you sound Intelligent and informed. I am from Cameroon.
Man it’s just sad here in the states. It’s a blame game and politics is turning into reality tv. Celebs and 80 year old dementia patients make laws... it’s bad
Miablnopt
0
Well when 6% of the population (black males) makes up for 44% of homicides in the United States it’s pretty logical for people to profile. It’s sad the black community turns a blind eye towards it. Eventually everyone in the United States will act like civilized human beings and it will be a wonderful place. We will change the name to utopia
which country are you from. you sound Intelligent and informed. I am from Cameroon.
Miablnopt
0
Well when 6% of the population (black males) makes up for 44% of homicides in the United States it’s pretty logical for people to profile. It’s sad the black community turns a blind eye towards it. Eventually everyone in the United States will act like civilized human beings and it will be a wonderful place. We will change the name to utopia
spitting Facts bro.!
BlueBlackSnake
1
Who is LeBron?
Miablnopt
2
Ibra is been in the game too and is losing both sight and touch, or it’s just attention things, but these are things that should give him better perspectives- being in the game longer- rather than shooting down progress others are making in society. It’s not easy to raise a voice in the communities and create a difference; those that have gotten to a place of influence have so many ways to approach it: politics, or just humanitarian, rather than keep it up to yourself. It’s much easier with fame bcz it comes with its influence and force of change. Others listen. So everything about this Ibra dude is just growing old now! Irrelevantly old!
perfectly said bro. LeBron is a hypocrite. he couldn't even support the Hong Kong protest. because he's scared he's millions from China will go down the drain.
Newmanunited20
0
Seeing a black man progressing and multi-talented is a pain in the **s for Ibra.... Meaning is very wrong for a black man to own a business e.g hotels like Messi and Ronaldo, restaurants like Mata and many others or raising your views on issues in your own community or do good for your people.... But he [Ibra] is allowed to bring Lukaku's mother into sport and work away with it....
Your reading comprehension is garbage. He’s saying don’t get into politics. Politics and business are completely different. Lebron shouldn’t talk about inequality in the United States when he profits off slave labor in China. His Nike contract... lebron is a hypocrite
Unitedforlife6
2
Zlatan should tell himself to stick to sports
Bizzano
4
Seeing a black man progressing and multi-talented is a pain in the **s for Ibra.... Meaning is very wrong for a black man to own a business e.g hotels like Messi and Ronaldo, restaurants like Mata and many others or raising your views on issues in your own community or do good for your people.... But he [Ibra] is allowed to bring Lukaku's mother into sport and work away with it....
iam_obinnagideon
1
ibra is right
Tichalla246
0
please shut the fuck up...... LeBron James speaks out to defend people rights.....ibra keeps quiet and mocks people..... fucking coward.....even footballers do politics once in a while like ozil, griezmann,Salah and even pique.....why not attack them..... fucking swedish imbecile
well said 👏🏾
puaadeuyz
0
SHIBLOLL NEET
puaadeuyz
1
CHELSEA RS 4500
Newmanunited20
2
Ibra is been in the game too and is losing both sight and touch, or it’s just attention things, but these are things that should give him better perspectives- being in the game longer- rather than shooting down progress others are making in society. It’s not easy to raise a voice in the communities and create a difference; those that have gotten to a place of influence have so many ways to approach it: politics, or just humanitarian, rather than keep it up to yourself. It’s much easier with fame bcz it comes with its influence and force of change. Others listen. So everything about this Ibra dude is just growing old now! Irrelevantly old!
Lebron is 3 years younger and definitely slowing down. Lebron is a progressive liberal pawn. He pushes 50% of the populations opinion. He is easily bought and has proven he will be a hypocrite. Lebron is sponsored by Nike. Nike is made in China... in sweat shops... slave labor... so lebron is profiting from slavery. Please tell me how he’s the ideal citizen again
Giftxix
4
Ibra is been in the game too and is losing both sight and touch, or it’s just attention things, but these are things that should give him better perspectives- being in the game longer- rather than shooting down progress others are making in society. It’s not easy to raise a voice in the communities and create a difference; those that have gotten to a place of influence have so many ways to approach it: politics, or just humanitarian, rather than keep it up to yourself. It’s much easier with fame bcz it comes with its influence and force of change. Others listen. So everything about this Ibra dude is just growing old now! Irrelevantly old!
Newmanunited20
0
james will crash him to pieces
In the phone tag game they are playing? Lol nothing will happen and I’m sure that was the last comment between the 2
rucacdis
2
james will crash him to pieces
Newmanunited20
1
Lebron gives his money 💰 to the poor black communities. Unlike most soccer ⚽️ players who don’t do anything to help the communities they come from
What are you talking about? Look at what rashford just did at the age of 22... drogbas foundation??? You need to do some research. Lebron is running around condemning the us minimum wage saying it’s unlivable but is Endorsed by Nike and owns stock in it. Nikes are made in China sweat shops. Basically a concentration camp. Lebron is a hypocrite
Clive-One-dan-Forbes
0
How are we equal when we have leaders who'll live lavishly for going to press conferences and claim they are for the people.... Ibra is right. Politics divides people while sports brings people together... and LeBron did it for the money
this comment makes no sense
olochan
1
Ibra is the vidal of ac milan[Crylaugh]
Newmanunited20
5
Funny 😁 how white peoples think 🤔 they know what it is like to be black in America 🇺🇸. This clown 🤡 has no clue
Well when 6% of the population (black males) makes up for 44% of homicides in the United States it’s pretty logical for people to profile. It’s sad the black community turns a blind eye towards it. Eventually everyone in the United States will act like civilized human beings and it will be a wonderful place. We will change the name to utopia
yeebceiopu
0
How are we equal when we have leaders who'll live lavishly for going to press conferences and claim they are for the people.... Ibra is right. Politics divides people while sports brings people together... and LeBron did it for the money
Lebron gives his money 💰 to the poor black communities. Unlike most soccer ⚽️ players who don’t do anything to help the communities they come from
philgolden
0
You are completely clueless and ignorant. As American 🇺🇸 i stand with Lebron James.
And that's political [Crylaugh]see it has already divided you to the part of mentioning your state and casting a vote towards James so ibra is right
yeebceiopu
0
How are we equal when we have leaders who'll live lavishly for going to press conferences and claim they are for the people.... Ibra is right. Politics divides people while sports brings people together... and LeBron did it for the money
You are completely clueless and ignorant. As American 🇺🇸 i stand with Lebron James.
Newmanunited20
1
there is nothing about been rational....he is not just an athlete but also an activist....... what is Ibrahimovic business
Nvm you don’t have the proper equipment to understand what I’m saying. Have a good day
Mose_9
1
Lol you got it all wrong. First think rationally and not with rage. He’s saying athletes can unite the world bc no matter what their politicians are doing they can still come together for the people. Lebron taking only the democrats side instantly divides fans, you leftist can never see rationally its baffling
there is nothing about been rational....he is not just an athlete but also an activist....... what is Ibrahimovic business
yeebceiopu
3
Funny 😁 how white peoples think 🤔 they know what it is like to be black in America 🇺🇸. This clown 🤡 has no clue